Explore CBD for Sleep
Getting enough sleep even as an adult is imperative to the proper functioning of your body. As per the statistics (link: https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/data_statistics.html) presented by the CDC, there are lots of adults who get below 7 hours of sleep every night. That's lesser than the minimum number of hours recommended by the National Sleep Foundation. According to the sleep foundation, adults should be getting 7-9 hours of sleep (link: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need#:~:text=National Sleep Foundation guidelines1,to 8 hours per night.) every day for best results.
The reality, however, is that there are lots of people who struggle to get enough sleep, and this leads them to seek any available solutions for their struggle. If you're one of those people, it shouldn't be too long before you come across CBD and learn that it can possibly solve your problem, taking into consideration that quite a number of people already use it for insomnia. Even though CBD looks like a good solution to your challenge, you might want to enlighten yourself before trying it.
The good thing is that you can take advantage of the fact that state-licensed doctors from HappyMD are available to help with such issues from 8 AM to 10 PM every day, including weekends.
Before contacting them for advice, however, it's a good idea to read on so that you can enlighten yourself about CBD and its use in improving sleep disorders.
What is CBD, exactly?
Also referred to as cannabidiol, CBD is one of the different cannabinoids that are present in hemp and cannabis plants. It's closely related to THC, even though these two compounds have different effects on the human body. Even though CBD can be sourced from marijuana, it's mainly derived from hemp plants.
Since hemp plants containing less than 0.3% THC (link: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd) are now federally legal in the United States, it's easy to understand why this cannabinoid is mainly sourced from THC. While such hemp plants have some regulatory hurdles, they are far much lesser than those of CBD strains of cannabis.
CBD will not get you high like THC
One of the most important facts about CBD is that while it will soothe you and help you to relax, it lacks the "high" effect found in THC. THC and CBD are different in that THC is associated with an intense sense of euphoria while CBD only delivers a sense of wellbeing and calmness. In the majority of cases, CBD users barely notice any effects.
According to the World Health Organization (link: http://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf), CBD is not linked to any dependence or abuse issues. In addition, there has not been any health issue that has been connected to the use of CBD.
What research says about taking CBD for sleep in 2021
According to the research that has been done about CBD, the main effect of this cannabinoid on the nervous system is relaxation and a calming effect (link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/). While there is definitely a need for additional research to ascertain the effect of CBD on the nervous system, there has been evidence (link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/) pointing to the ability of CBD to aid sleep.
Studies show that CBD can help to reduce anxiety and improve sleep
While the effects of CBD on sleep patterns are amazing, one thing to keep in mind is that they are seemingly not sustainable over extended periods. Results from a 2019 study (link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/pdf/18-041.pdf) that was done on 72 adults who had anxiety problems and trouble sleeping show that 80% of the adults experienced relief from the symptoms after using CBD. About 67% of the participants had their sleep patterns improve in the first month. It's important to note, however, that the sleep patterns did fluctuate with time.
Similarly, in an effort to establish the effect of cannabis in treating insomnia, a 2018 study (link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164964/) conducted on 409 subjects found that the severity score of insomnia on the patients reduced after cannabis use. The patients started with a self-assessed average severity score of 6.6 which then reduced to 2.1 after the use of cannabis.
It was noted that while the cannabis flower (which contains several cannabinoids) was used in the study, the cannabis flower with higher amounts of CBD had the most positive effect on insomnia. Of course, there has to be a number of additional studies related to the use of CBD in treating insomnia. The good news is that an increase in the funds that are available to facilitate such studies shows a promising future.
How to take CBD to improve your sleep patterns
The number one thing to keep in mind when it comes to using CBD to improve your sleep is that it's highly recommended to consult your physician before using any new herbal supplements or medications of any kind.
A majority of the patients have found over time that they get the best results from using CBD on a daily basis. If, however, you have not tried CBD for sleep before, the first consideration that you might have is the available options which vary from vapes to capsules and edibles.
The one thing that you have to appreciate when it comes to consuming CBD is that how you consume the compound is as important as the dosage that you consume. In that light, the following are the main options that you can pick from when consuming CBD to improve your sleep.
1. CBD gummies for sleep
This is one of the easiest and most fun ways available for consuming CBD. As if that is not enough, CBD for gummies is the best option available if you are especially interested in ensuring that you get your dosage right. That's in consideration that gummy manufacturers are almost always highly devoted to consistently dosing their gummies, and the majority do present lab results as proof. Besides, CBD gummies are delicious.
2. CBD oils and tinctures
These are also another effective way of consuming CBD for sleep. Tinctures and oils are especially good if you are looking for flexibility when it comes to consuming CBD since they can either be taken alone or added to drinks. Even though they are often thought of as being the same, CBD oils and tinctures are somewhat different. While CBD tincture is an alcohol-based extract, CBD oil is usually a mixture of inactive carrier oil such as coconut oil and CBD extract.
3. Oral solutions and sprays
CBD is also available in the form of oral solutions and sprays. Such sprays and solutions come in containers that are fitted with spray applicators. You are simply required to spray the solutions into your mouth, and that's it. As such, sprays and solutions are a good option if you are after an easy and discreet way of consuming CBD. And since a majority of them are flavoured, they make a good choice for individuals who are looking to avoid undesired tastes in their mouths.
Keep in mind that it's always a good idea to shake your CBD spray well so that you can get the most even dosing.
4. Vapes
This is the best option if you are looking for the fastest result. CBD vapes are simply CBD oil added to a carrier liquid that users can vaporize and inhale. To consume CBD this way, you should use a vape pen. You can always find CBD vape pen oil that contains or does not contain THC.
CBD vape oil is mainly available as either broad-spectrum or full-spectrum. Broad-spectrum CBD oil has CBD and a combination of other cannabinoids, whereas full-spectrum CBD oil has CBD in it, as well as cannabinoids and some THC.
5. Edibles
From their name, CBD edibles are simply edible products that have been infused with CBD oil. Such products include but are not limited to cookies, chocolates, honey, and other kinds of CBD treats. Since almost any food product can be infused with CBD oil the possibilities for this option are almost endless. When making the edibles by yourself, however, you will have to tackle the challenge of dosing CBD correctly.
If, however, you are looking for ready-made edibles, are some of the best to consider in 2021.
6. Pills and capsules
Pills and capsules also offer an easy and consistent method of consuming CBD. Such capsules or pills contain particular amounts of CBD isolate or oil and are supposed to be taken with water just like any other pill. Keep in mind, however, that since CBD capsules often contain additional ingredients for boosting the desired effects, it's always recommended that you read the product label before consumption.
7. Topical solutions
They have become the most recent trendy option there is when it comes to the consumption of CBD. Available as balms, creams, and lotions, topical solutions make it possible to apply CBD directly to the skin.
It's good to keep in mind, however, that most people only choose CBD topicals as an option for pain relief as opposed to being a sleep aid. Besides, it's quite challenging and almost impossible to get the right dosage of CBD this way.
For these reasons, it's best not to use topical solutions if you are interested in CBD to improve your sleep patterns.
How much CBD should you take for a better night's sleep?
The most commonly preferred dosage and especially for clinical studies is 25mg. However, in a 2018 study (link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6223703/) up to 1,500mg of CBD was used in a single dose. In an interesting outcome, none of the participants involved in the study dropped out due to undesired side effects, which were mostly mild, anyway.
Just like other marijuana products, the most effective way of determining the most ideal dosage for yourself is to use a low and slow approach. This means increasing your dosage step by step until you find the measure that suits you best. Keep in mind that you also have to be patient when it comes to expecting results. That's in consideration that a couple of patients have pointed out that it can take up to four weeks of consistent CBD use to start seeing changes in sleep patterns.
Is CBD legal in the US?
As long as it's in its pure form, CBD is legal in the whole of the United States. Bear in mind, however, that there are lots of CBD products that contain THC in particular amounts. While this varies from one state to the other, THC-containing products may be a legal option as well.
All in all, however, the FDA in reference to the 2018 farm bill (link: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019) has made it clear that all cannabis plant products that contain no more than 0.3% THC are federally legal. What this simply means is that a Tennessee-based consumer, for example, can buy, use, and possess CBD products without requiring an MMJ card as long as the products contain less than 0.3 THC.
In states like Idaho, Kansas, and Nebraska where marijuana is still wholly prohibited, however, CBD products have to be sourced from hemp that contains less than 0.3% THC. Depending on the state that you live in, you might be allowed to purchase, consumer, and possess CBD products with differing concentrations of THC in them. If, however, marijuana is prohibited in your state, you will more than likely be required to have an MMJ card so as to use and possess marijuana-based CBD products.
Potential side effects of CBD for sleep
As mentioned earlier, studies have shown that a majority of adults can tolerate doses that reach the extremes of 1,500mg (even though this is not advisable). Even though severe side effects are mostly non-existent, they can appear where large doses are involved.
The most common CBD side effect include but may not be limited to:
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Reduced appetite
- Weight changes
It's also recommended that you be cautious of the fact that consuming CBD on a regular basis to aid your sleep could create a potential interference with other medication.
For this reason, it's always advisable to seek medical advice before you start to use CBD so as to be sure that it won't have an effect on any of the current medications that you might be taking. This is especially a huge consideration if you have been taking medications meant for seizures. In addition, seeking advice from your physician before taking CBD applies to all uses of CBD, whether for relaxation, sleep-related problems, or anxiety.
While at it, be sure to check out the state-licensed physicians at HappyMD, for reliable medical assistance when considering CBD for sleep. All you have to do is visit HappyMD.com and create your account.
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